British Seamen Freed

They can bluster all they like but when push comes to shove they're doing as well as they can with this covert war of terrorism they've got cooking. In full open warfare, things begin to go rather badly for them.

Tony Blair has welcomed the release by Iran of 15 British sailors and marines taken captive 13 days ago. The Iranian president had said it was a "gift" to Britain.

The sailors have been shown on television speaking to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at his palace in the capital Tehran.

Mr Blair said Britain bore the Iranian people "no ill-will" over the crisis.

He welcomed the release of the British personnel saying it was a "profound relief" for them and their families.

Sky New sources have indicated that Qatar and Syria played a part in resolving the crisis.

According to reports, the 15 Britons "shouted with joy" on learning about their freedom.

President Ahmadinejad said he had pardoned them as a gift to the British people.

Aw, gee whiz, Mahmoud, you only had to get them a sweater or something.